The minimum wage in Michigan is currently $13.73 per hour and is scheduled to increase to $15.00 per hour by 2027. Minors aged 16–17 may be paid 85% of the minimum wage ($11.67). Tipped employees must be paid at least $5.49 per hour, but employers must ensure wages and tips combined equal at least the minimum wage. A training wage of $4.25 per hour applies to employees aged 16–19 for the first 90 days.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average hourly wage in Michigan is $26.84. Wages vary by occupation, industry, and location.
The estimated living wage in Michigan is $22.07 per hour. A living wage represents the estimated hourly rate needed to cover basic living expenses, including housing, food, transportation, healthcare, and other essential costs.
A guide to hourly labor laws in Michigan
- Adults: $13.73.
- Minors (16,17): $11.67 or 85% of minimum wage.
- Training wage (ages 16 to 19): $4.25 for the first 90 days. (Michigan.gov) (Mich. Comp. Laws § 408.934).
$5.49, totaling at least minimum wage after tips (Michigan.gov) (Mich. Comp. Laws § 408.934).
Paid at 1.5 times the regular rate for hours worked over 40 in a workweek (Mich. Comp. Laws § 408.934a).
- Adults: No state or federal law requiring meal breaks. Federal law allows unpaid, non-working, bona-fide meal breaks over 30 minutes; exceptions may apply (29 C.F.R. 785.19) (DoL).
- Minors under 18: An uninterrupted 30-minute break for more than 5 continuous hours worked (Mich. Comp. Laws § 409.112).
No state or federal law requires rest breaks. Breaks lasting 5–20 minutes must be paid (29 C.F.R. § 785.18).
Only deductions required by law or authorized in writing. Third-party deductions benefitting the employer may not reduce the wage below the applicable minimum (Mich. Comp. Laws § 408.477) (29 C.F.R. § 4.168) (29 US Code § 203).
- Resignation: Due by the next regularly scheduled payday.
- Termination: Due immediately, as soon as the amount is determined (Mich. Comp. Laws § 408.475).
At least monthly on regular, predetermined paydays. (Michigan.gov) (Mich. Comp. Laws § 408.472).
Less than 10 employees: Accrued at one hour per 30 worked, at least 40 paid hours per year. Over 10 employees: Same accrual, at least 72 hours per year. Additional unpaid leave may apply. (Michigan.gov) (Mich. Comp. Laws § 408.962).
No state/federal paid leave law. The FMLA provides up to 12 unpaid weeks in one year for eligible employees (FMLA).
No work during required school hours. No more than six work days per week. No more than 10 hours per day, averaging up to eight hours daily per week. May not exceed 48 hours weekly of combined work/school time. No work between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m. (Michigan.gov) (Mich. Comp. Laws § 409.110).
- School session: Up to 24 hours per week. No work between 10:30 p.m. and 6 a.m. Sunday through Thursday, extended to 11:30 p.m. Friday/Saturday.
- Non-school session: Up to 48 hours per week. No work between 11:30 p.m. and 6 a.m.
- General: No work during required school hours. No more than six work days per week. No more than 10 hours per day, averaging up to eight hours daily per week. Exceptions to work times available (Michigan.gov) (Mich. Comp. Laws § 409.111).
What is the difference between gross wages and net wages?
It's important to remember that the Hourly Wage Index data above reflects gross wages, or the amount of money an employee earns before accounting for payroll deductions like taxes, benefits, or wage garnishments. Due to variability in tax rates across locations, slightly lower gross wages in a certain location might result in higher take home pay, or vice versa.
What is a good hourly wage?
It's important to remember that the Hourly Wage Index data above reflects gross wages, or the amount of money an employee earns before accounting for payroll deductions like taxes, benefits, or wage garnishments. Due to variability in tax rates across locations, slightly lower gross wages in a certain location might result in higher take home pay, or vice versa.
Offering competitive pay is one of my top priorities—what other resources do you have that might help?
It's important to remember that the Hourly Wage Index data above reflects gross wages, or the amount of money an employee earns before accounting for payroll deductions like taxes, benefits, or wage garnishments. Due to variability in tax rates across locations, slightly lower gross wages in a certain location might result in higher take home pay, or vice versa.
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